About
I am a Business Development Specialist with over 10 years of experience in the businesses and NGO sector, focusing on strategic planning, program development, and donor engagement to drive sustainable growth and impact. I recently served as Country Manager at Zakat Foundation of America (ZFA), where I led the implementation of programs in alignment with ZFA’s mission, managed partnerships with government and non-government entities, oversaw budgeting, reporting, and staff development, and ensured effective coordination and security monitoring. I hold dual master’s degrees in MPhil and MBA, along with over 80 CPD-certified certificates in business, project, Finance management, proposal writing, and nonprofit leadership. I have completed 25 development projects, authored 10 publications, and had extensive experience writing successful funding proposals to support humanitarian and development initiatives.
Skills & Expertise
Business Development
Strategic Planning
Program Development
Donor Engagement
Project Management
Finance Management
Proposal Writing
Nonprofit Leadership
Budgeting
Reporting
Staff Development
Partnership Development
Monitoring & Evaluation
Human Resources
Emergency Response
Concept Note Writing
Scope Management
Stakeholder Management
Sales
Market Research
Capacity Building
Mentoring
Business Assessment
SWOT Analysis
Financial Accounting
Cash Management
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Credit Control
Payroll
Bank Reconciliation
Tax Compliance
Cost Reduction
Customer Service
Logistics
Research Interests
Optimization
Advanced manufacturing
Guiding Research students
COMMUNICATION
Business Technology
Accounting
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
Project management
banking and finance
Strategic Planning
Quality Management
Leadership Development
Critical Thinking
Team Building
Time Management
Analytical Skills
Counselling
Problem-Solving
Budgeting & Cost Control
Audits & Statutory Compliances
Finance and Accounts
Risk Mitigation & Control
Funds Management
Portfolio Management
Organizational Skills
Passion
Conference Participation
Dedication towards work
Teaching and training
Working on Gaps
Resources optimizations
business and executive Management
Business development
International development projects
Multi-touch marketing campaigns
Proposal development for aid
Grant management
Financial forecasting
Cross-cultural communication
Leadership and mentorship
NGO operations
Donor engagement
Project lifecycle management
Aid effectiveness
Community development
Public-private partnerships
Program sustainability
Connect With Me
Experience
Country Manager of Afghanistan
Represent and implement ZFA programs in compliance with policies and regulations, ensuring effective communication and systematic reporting with program partners. Oversee program activities, develop partnerships with local entities, and collaborate with the country director on new initiatives. Establish monitoring mechanisms for program evaluation and improvement, while executing activities within budget and timelines. Ensure high-quality reporting of programs and expenses monthly, implement HR policies, and recommend capacity improvements for staff. Conduct performance reviews, develop emergency response plans, and prepare all necessary reports to enhance ZFA's mission and vision while monitoring security situations impacting staff and property.
Assistant Professor /Sr.Lecturer
Part time lecturers for Management and accounting sections
Project Manager
Plan and Develop the Project Idea. Establish and Maintain Processes for Managing Scope. Structure and Manage Integrated, Multitrack Performance Databases. Develop and Maintain Relationships with Relevant Client Stakeholders. Assign and Monitor Resources. Report Project Outcomes and/or Risks. Coordinate with the Team/Conduct Regular Meetings. Establish a shared vision. Manage Documentation and Reports. Develop a Plan B/Coordinate with Clients.
BDS Mentors
Build existing and develop new business relationships. Create, monitor, and report on key performance metrics to determine the effectiveness of sales efforts and anticipate customer needs. Secure new business using a variety of methods, such as cold calling, email, trade shows, and referrals. Work with sales teams to identify, develop, and articulate new business opportunities. Identify and communicate sales opportunities throughout the organization. Provide support to sales teams and individuals by preparing reports and presentations. Assist with special projects and tasks as requested.
Regional Coordinator
United Nations Development Program for NGOs/CSOs in all provinces of (Afghanistan). Developed Training Models for capacity-building project for the NGOs/CSOs. Supervised more than 50 staffs during of project. Coordinated project delivery between UNDP and Mgtwell along with third parties. Led the UNDP program at the sub-national level in East Regions. Developed budget for UNDP and Mgtwell at the provincial level in East Regions. Prepared project phases and annual plans with budget to donors. Participated in the evaluation, consultant recruitment, and selection processes. Represented the project in internal and external events for UNDP and donors. Assist with planning and coordination of programs and their activities. Monitor implementation of program policies and practices. Work to keep programs on schedule, within stated budgets and functioning smoothly. Support program growth and development as necessary.
Education
Abasyn University
Kardan University
Projects
Civil Society Organizations (CSO)
The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Project is implemented by UNDP under the direct oversight of the United Nations. The initiative aims to support and strengthen local NGOs and CSOs across all regions of Afghanistan by revitalizing their activities and enhancing their capacity to contribute effectively to community development.
Muallim: Empowering Afghan Girls through Education.
Muallim is an online learning platform specifically designed for girls, providing access to a variety of resources and materials for students in grades 6 to 12. The platform focuses on Math and Physics subjects, offering interactive lessons, & exercises,
Conferences & Seminars (24)
Sale Channel Management
Strategic Excellence in Sales Channel Management
This advanced training program is designed for senior sales professionals at Etisalat who are responsible for driving high-performance across sales and retail channels. It equips channel managers, retail leaders, and sales supervisors with the strategic insight, operational expertise, and leadership acumen required to excel in today’s competitive telecom landscape.
Participants will explore telecom-specific channel planning, effective retail execution, and advanced tools for managing complex priorities. The course also emphasizes people leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and fostering a high-performance culture all essential for navigating Etisalat’s fast-paced and dynamic sales environment.
Greenhouse Agri-Business Management: Innovating Sustainable Farming for Profitability
This training program focuses on developing profitable and sustainable greenhouse farming businesses. It equips agricultural entrepreneurs, farm managers, and professionals with practical knowledge of greenhouse operations, modern farming technologies, and effective agri-business strategies. Participants will learn how to manage controlled greenhouse environments, apply sustainable practices in soil, water, and energy use, select high-value crops, and optimize yields. The program also covers automation, climate control, financial planning, market development, risk management, supply chain efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Delivered through expert-led sessions, case studies, and hands-on learning, the training helps participants integrate innovation with sustainability. By the end of the program, participants will be able to operate efficient greenhouse systems, reduce costs, access competitive markets, and build environmentally responsible and profitable agri-businesses. This program is suitable for new entrants to greenhouse farming as well as experienced professionals seeking to improve productivity and long-term profitability.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Art of Swing and Tailoring in Business Management
This training program is designed to strengthen women entrepreneurs’ ability to manage businesses with agility and strategic focus. It emphasizes two core skills: swinging the ability to adapt smoothly across leadership, decision-making, and crisis management and tailoring customizing business strategies to meet specific market needs and personal leadership styles. Participants will develop skills in strategic thinking, leadership, financial planning, negotiation, and resilience while learning how to balance business demands with personal well-being. Through interactive workshops, case studies, mentorship, and collaborative learning, the program equips women with practical tools to build sustainable, competitive, and values-driven enterprises. This initiative supports women in leading confidently, adapting to change, and contributing to a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Transformative Business Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture Management
The Transformative Business Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture Management Training Program is designed for agricultural leaders, policymakers, and business professionals in the agriculture and agribusiness sectors. The program focuses on equipping participants with strategic, innovative, and sustainable approaches to manage agricultural operations effectively while ensuring long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Project Planning and Strategies Development for NGOs Capacity Building Programme
Effective project planning and strategy development are essential for NGOs to deliver impactful, timely, and sustainable results. This framework focuses on setting clear goals, allocating resources efficiently, engaging stakeholders, and managing risks to ensure successful project implementation. The approach covers key stages of project planning, including initiation, goal setting, budgeting, risk management, and monitoring and evaluation. It also emphasizes strategy development through organizational analysis, mission alignment, stakeholder engagement, resource allocation, and performance tracking. By applying best practices such as data-driven decision-making, collaboration, flexibility, and accountability, NGOs can overcome resource constraints, adapt to external challenges, and maximize their social impact. Strong planning and adaptive strategies enable NGOs to achieve long-term sustainability, transparency, and meaningful community outcomes.
Certificates & Licenses (101)
Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®
This is to certify that Aid Iftikharullah Ghani has successfully completed the PMI-ACP certification training on May 5, 2026, demonstrating the ability to apply agile principles and practices such as adaptive planning, iterative development, continuous improvement, and effective team collaboration, in alignment with the standards of the Project Management Institute.
Transparent Public Procurement
This is to certify that Iftikharullah Ghani has successfully completed the Transparent Public Procurement training from the United Nations on May 3, 2026, demonstrating a strong understanding of principles such as accountability, transparency, fairness, and integrity in public procurement processes, in alignment with United Nations standards and international best practices.
Sustainable Lifestyles
This is to certify that Iftikharullah Ghani has successfully completed the Sustainable Lifestyles training from United Nations System Staff College and United Nations Environment Programme through the UN Learner Platform on May 2, 2026, reflecting the ability to apply sustainable practices such as resource efficiency, responsible consumption, and environmental stewardship in alignment with United Nations frameworks.
PMI-RMP® Certification
This is to certify that the PMI-RMP® Certification training from Simplilearn has been successfully completed, reflecting the ability to apply project risk management practices such as risk analysis, mitigation planning, and continuous risk monitoring aligned with PMI guidelines.
Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA®)
This is to certify that the Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA®) e-learning course from Simplilearn has been successfully completed, demonstrating the ability to apply core business analysis concepts, including requirements management, stakeholder engagement, and solution evaluation in alignment with industry best practices.
Awards & Achievements (8)
🏆 Appreciation Letter
This is to certify that the Director of Jahan University awards Iftikharullah Ghani for Best Teaching Awards in 2025, recognizing his outstanding dedication and excellence in education.
🏆 Soft Skills & Practical Knowledge
This is to certify that the Director of Bunyad Omid awards Iftikharullah Ghani for excellence in soft skills and practical knowledge, demonstrating outstanding interpersonal abilities and effective real-world application.
🏆 Monetary Policy & Currency Exchange
This is to certify that the Director of DA Afghanistan Bank awards Iftikharullah Ghani for outstanding understanding and application of Monetary Policy and Currency Exchange, demonstrating expertise in managing financial stability and currency operations.
🏆 Best Lecturer Award
This is to certify that the Director of Jahan Institute of Higher Education awards Iftikharullah Ghani the Best Lecturer Award for the year 2022 in recognition of his exceptional teaching performance and dedication.
🏆 Best teacher Award
This is to certify that the Director of Jahan Institute of Higher Education awards Iftikharullah Ghani the Best Lecturer Award for the year 2021 in recognition of his exceptional teaching performance and dedication.
Invited Position (2)
Country Manager
Review Member
Publications (8)
Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) for an antenatal check-up during pregnancy is a key indicator
of a healthcare facility in a community. Antenatal care (ANC) is a useful practice for lowering...
This research aims to identify livelihood opportunities for women in rural areas of Afghanistan, focusing on their wellbeing and the impact of these opportunities on agricultural and non-agriculture p...
This study investigates how employees of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), Afghanistan's central bank, are affected by training. 100
participants, both male, and female, with different levels of education—i...
This study investigates the impact of Sustainable
Leadership, Knowledge Absorptive Capacity, and Project
Innovativeness on Project Performance using a sample of 100
participants. Quantitative data...
This study aims to examine the supervisory role of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) and its impact on the financial stability of
Afghanistan. The research will analyze the effectiveness of DAB in regulating...
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